VARANASI

Essential Travel Info for Varanasi

• Ancient Buddhist Site know as Chaukhandi Stupa entry fee: ₹20 (Indian), ₹250 (Foreign) — 2026 ASI rates
• Best time to visit Varanasi: January, February, March, November, December (22–32°C daytime, minimal rainfall). These months offer comfortable temperatures and dry weather for sightseeing. Based on 10-year weather averages (2016–2025).
• Varanasi safety: no travel restrictions apply. Be aware of persistent touts near the ghats and around Vishwanath Temple. Boat operators may overcharge — agree a price before boarding. The narrow lanes (galis) of the old city are safe but disorienting; download offline maps.
• Delhi to Varanasi: Vande Bharat Express takes ~8 hours (departs 6am, arrives 2pm). Flights take 1.5hr with multiple daily options. Varanasi is the most common Golden Triangle extension — adds India’s spiritual heartland to the historical circuit.